UK OTT service Wuaki cuts connected TV deal

Wuaki.tv, the OTT service recently launched in the UK, has cut a deal with Panasonic and will make its service available through the consumer electronics firm’s connected TVs.

Consumers in the UK will need to download the relevant app to access Wuaki via their Panasonic set.

The TV series and movies streaming service is owned by Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten and started out in Spain where it says most of its subs access its service via a connected TV.

The UK Wuaki service offers SVOD and download to own options of its content. The Wuaki app is £4.99 a month for a promotional period. The company said it plans to do more connected TV deals. Wuaki is also available via iOS and Android devices as well as the Xbox console.

“Since we started Wuaki.tv in 2009 there’s been a upswing in the number of Smart TVs in the living room, and for Wuaki.tv traffic from these is far outstripping tablets and laptops,” said Jacinto Roca, founder and CEO of Wuaki.tv. “Over 70% of our users in Spain regularly stream movies and TV shows to a Smart TV, and we’re going to see the same in the UK. This is why we’re expanding our Smart TV footprint in the UK.”